“Sino Ang Mas Angat?": A Peek Into the Answers of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Candidates

The CNN Philippines 2022 Presidential and Vice-Presidential Debate took place at the University of Santo Tomas last February 26 and 27 to inform Filipinos about the plans of the aspiring leaders for our country, because as Pia Hontiveros stated, “Democracy’s best defense is an informed citizenry.” After watching, did this debate finally elucidate your mind, or are you still turning a blind eye?

Written by Aneesa Quintos Puno
Illustrated by Jolie Dimapilis

  
Posted on March 13, 2022 | 5:30 PM

The 2022 Presidential and Vice-Presidential debate that occurred on February 26-27, 2022, hosted by CNN Philippines, was the event I have been anticipating the most. It showed each candidates’ credibility, integrity, sincerity, and ability to quickly think under pressure. It also became an avenue for the aspirants, especially the lesser-known candidates, to lay out their platforms and plans as well as impart their wisdom and stand on national issues to a broader audience.

To my dismay, and probably most Filipinos too, only nine out of the ten presidential bets and seven out of the nine vice-presidential candidates courageously showed up. Buhay Representative Lito Atienza’s reason to back off is a valid reason. But Ferdinand Marcos Jr., just like in Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews and Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas Presidential Forum, was unable to attend. His running-mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also declined the invitation without providing any reason. Disappointing, right? Vice-presidential candidate Walden Bello even expressed his exasperation on the tandem. Hmm, is the conflict on schedules a front to mask their cowardice to defend their positions?

The debates were structured in a way where each candidate had an equal opportunity to speak - one minute and thirty seconds were given to them to answer a question. They were not allowed to have their notes and gadgets with them, which established their wit, keenness, and awareness. Moreover, leaving the podium of those absent empty illustrated their incompetency and modesty whenever the camera panned to their post.

The highlight of this event is the candidates’ responses to the well-formulated and fastidious questions thrown by the moderators. How concrete, organized, practical, and straightforward their explanations were was a determining factor for most of the audience on who to vote. Let us look back on the answers that stood out on topics concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, corruption, the West Philippine Sea, and the welfare of our society.

On COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on each Filipino, especially the poor communities and families who can barely make it through each day. The government’s militarized response to the pandemic did not even help at all, as it only produced band-aid solutions and not as good outcomes as resorting to science-based approaches. For this reason, it is necessary to inform the people on how these aspiring candidates helped ease the misery of the Filipinos. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno shared how he implemented the plans of the British government to alleviate the surge in Manila. Senator Ping Lacson mentioned himself as being one of the authors of the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act. Giving out PPE sets, shuttle buses for public transportation, dormitories, Bayanihan E-Konsulta, Vaccine Express, and Swab Cab are some programs that Vice President Leni Robredo initiated and have mentioned in just a minute and thirty.

Because of the strict lockdowns the government has imposed, the MSMEs’ (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) expansions were affected and halted. According to the latest Philippine Statistics Authority statistics, 99.51% of all businesses in the country are MSMEs. There should be agendas to revitalize this sector as it plays a significant role in employment and economic growth. The Vice-presidential aspirants laid out their plans to help MSMEs struggling from the pandemic. Ex-congressman Walden Bello plans to repeal the Foreign Act amendments. Carlos Serapio would wisely use the funds that have been budgeted under the Bayanihan Act 2. Then, Senator Kiko Pangilinan would allot one hundred billion and have proposed an impressive solution wherein they would provide financial help as long as employers would keep and take their employees back again.  

On graft and corruption

Corruption has always been an important topic to touch on in these debates because with the numerous cases, which will probably take me a lot of paragraphs to mention each, graft and corruption have already been endemic and systemic in the government. And I agree with the former defense chief Norberto Gonzales that corruption is not just in our systems; it has become the system where the attitudes of most public officials have adapted to a corrupt way of leading. Combating and finding a cure to corruption seems impossible right now. However, like what Vice President Robredo had said, there has to be a system that will force public officials to be good. Once Filipinos vote for the just and righteous candidates, we may be able to remove this massive obstacle that hinders our country from thriving.

Battling corruption, as Vice-presidential candidate Manny SD Lopez had mentioned, requires systemic solutions. Aside from transparency, for Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Senate President Tito Sotto, to solve corruption is to limit human discretion in government transactions through digitization. Sen. Kiko Pangilinan on the other hand plans to modernize the justice system because according to him, “Kapag malakas ang sistema ng katarungan, ang korapsyon ay mababawasan dahil napaparusahan ang dapat parusahan.“ (When the justice system is unyielding, corruption will lessen because those who should be punished are being punished rightfully.)

On dealing with China in the West Philippine Sea

Both debates addressed the West Philippine Sea issue and the maritime dispute between China and the Philippines. Talking about it is timely as we have been experiencing inflation on oil prices due to the Russia-Ukraine Crisis. In the West Philippine Sea lies 7 billion barrels of oil and 900 trillion cubic feet of natural gas; reacquiring our rights over WPS would mean ease in the rising prices and a more indigenous source of gas and electricity. Also, the Scarborough Shoal was valued for its vast fisheries that were providing livelihood to people living nearby for decades, not until the Chinese tried kicking Filipinos out. 

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s answer on how he would deal with the Chinese is notable, for which he said he would pursue peaceful, legal, and fair means. However, Vice President Robredo once again shows her exceptional eye on details, as she mentioned that she would follow the instruments of national power: diplomatic, informational, military, economic.

On the welfare of the Filipinos

There is an impending rise in the prices of basic goods alongside oils. Businessman Faisal Mangondato is right about Filipinos not being ready with this instability in our economy as wages continue to be low, the unemployment rate continues to ascend, and the marginalized communities remain in poverty. It is just fair to provide more jobs, give many incentives, and higher wages to workers, be it Ka Leody’s 750 pesos per day or Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s 700-800 pesos a day. Doc Willie Ong’s plan to lower taxes by 50 percent on petrol and electricity will also be a big help; additionally, Senate President Tito Sotto’s initiative to provide subsidies in the public transport sector.

Each aspirant indeed showed their exemplary expertise on topics they advocate. To mention a few, Ka Leody and Walden Bello fight for prioritizing farmers and workers that are the backbone of our economy. Sen. Ping Lacson and Sen. Manny Pacquiao's initiatives to rid the system of corruption; and Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan's emphasis on enhancing the lives and addressing the needs of the underprivileged.

Who stood out? Is it Walden Bello, who, up until the closing statement, criticized the Marcos-Duterte tandem, or Jose Montemayor Jr., who, through fake news, accused Manila Mayor Isko Moreno of not returning the 15 million dollars worth of campaign funds given by Bill Gates? All jokes aside, may these debates bring enlightenment to voters as it is time for us to put the right people in the government. But for all that, never be swayed by their promises, speeches full of rhetoric, and seemingly good yet so unrealistic plans for our country. Choose to be an informed and wise citizen because every vote matters, and every ballot counts.